Nature always has a way of whispering wisdom to us if only we slow ourselves long enough to listen. For centuries, the Japanese have let the unfurling petals of cherry blossoms, or sakura serve as a yearly, humble reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Recognising the blossom's beauty as a symbolic time to contemplate and remember the fragility of life, to practice gratitude and mindfulness by appreciating and being present in the moment.
There are some simple reminders we can take from Spring blossom.
1. Every blossom tree started as a seed.
See that stunning tree in full bloom with perfectly delicate flowers covering its branches? Remember, it didn't start there. Each tree began as a humble seed, planted in the ground - needing every bit of gumption to push it's way out into the world.
Lesson: Don't compare your seed to someone else's blossom. Everyone starts somewhere and you have the choice to look at the seed you hold in your hand and think it's nothing that much - or your can choose to see it's potential and believe you have the opportunity to plant something today that has the potential to grow into something truly breathtaking tomorrow.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt
2. Nothing blooms all year.
Just as in nature, there's a season for blossoming, a season for pruning and there is a season for slowing, for grounding and growing your roots.
Lesson: Know the season you're in and be mindful of knowing what you need time and space for. Do you need some time of quiet and recharging? Are there areas of your life that are no longer serving you? Or do you need some time of growth, challenge and excitement? Whatever season you're in, know there's a natural rhythm of growth and grounding.
"Nothing in nature blooms all year."
3. Enjoy the present moment
I love that when the cherry blossoms hit their peak in Japan, life seems to pause for just a few days, priorities shift, people take time to gather under the trees to picnic and enjoy the beauty of the trees. Friends gather, food is shared and the wonder of nature is truly savoured in that moment.
Lesson: We all don't know what tomorrow may bring. This shouldn't be a sombre thought - but instead let it serve as a reminder to seize the graces of each moment. Whether that's taking an extra minute before you drop your kids at school to tell them just how much you love them. Starting a family tradition to spend meaningful time together. Or beginning a gratitude journal to recall at least 3 things you can be grateful for in each day.
Like the blossom - life can be both seemingly too short lived, and breathtakingly, spectacularly beautiful.
